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Tanzania Safari Packing List
By Simbo Natai
A good camera and binoculars in your hand with a tropical hat on your head – Ready to go on a Safari In Tanzania? No! Remember, you’re going to explore the African bush and it needs a lot of planning for the backpack.
Tanzania Safari is a great way to discover the rich flora and fauna and you can’t miss packing any single thing to regret. Hence, the Tanzania Safari Packing List depends on the circumstances of the safari. Some weight restrictions are also there on the airlines while you fly to Tanzania. So, it’s advisable to pack accordingly. A typical weight restriction is 15 kilograms or 33Ibs total per person, including camera equipment and carry-ons.
Plan Your Travel In Tanzania
Essential Packing List for Tanzania
We would recommend the Proper Packing List for all your safari tours or trekking in Tanzania. It will provide you with a clearer picture of what you actually need on Safaris To Tanzania.
No matter how daunting this packing for Tanzania may be, you will get a clear idea through this list of essential travel items-
Clothes to pack
What clothing you will pack depends on the time of the year and your itinerary. You will experience different weather conditions in Tanzania and should pack your clothes according to this.
During the daytime, you may feel dry and hot weather but remember the evening and the mornings usually feels cold. So backpack in every possible way.
WOMEN |
MEN |
KIDS |
TOPS |
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BOTTOMS |
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UNDERGARMENTS |
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ACCESSORIES |
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Safari clothing tips:
Some important Tanzania safari clothing tips are-
- Dress casually- A Tanzania Safari needs casual clothing unless specified.
- Be comfortable- While on a Safaris To Tanzania, always prefer to wear cotton clothes instead of synthetic material.
- Dress in layers- In Tanzania, the mornings and the evenings are usually cold. So keep a jacket and scarf along on game drives as temperatures drop suddenly.
- Cover at night- Full sleeve shirts and pants can help you avoid mosquitos after the dark.
- Sun hat- Light-neutral, unisex hat and dark-neutral, unisex hat
- Don’t over-pack- Remember to pack as light as you can as you are going on a Safari in Tanzania.
Do colors Matter?
In general, the typical safari look we all have known is the beige zip-off trousers and khaki t-shirts along with the safari hat and a pair of binoculars. Now you are good to go for your dream Tanzania Safari Tour.
But the question is why only beige or khaki color? Why not the favorite red one?
- So, the first thing is that you’re going on a Tanzania safari and there will be too much dust. Though the amount will depend on the place and season, still, you will be ready for it. This is a reason you should prefer to wear neutral colors like beige or khaki. Because other bright colors will look dirty while on the game drive but the neutral colors look cleaner.
- The second thing is that there will be animals and they strongly react to bright colors. So, it’s advisable to wear neutral colors on your safari to be safer when you encounter big animals.
- The third important thing is that bright colors especially red and blue are attracted tsetse flies. They can cause sleeping diseases which can lead to death. So, these bright colors should be avoided.
Foot Wears
When you pack for your Tanzania Safari, give some special attention to choosing your safari shoes. Because it’s as important as packing the right clothes.
If you want to Hike Mount Kilimanjaro, you will need hiking boots with good ankle support.
If you only planning for game drives, you can bring casual shoes, flip-flops, and sandals. Here is the list-
- One pair of closed shoes for when it gets cold.
- One pair of flip-flops for the showers in case of a camping safari.
- One pair of easy comfortable shoes for the day.
- Comfortable, breathable socks.
Essential Documents
Traveling To Tanzania should be a memorable trip of a lifetime. So you have to pack your bag with the essential travel documents. Because you miss any and your whole safari will ruin. That’s why we have made a detailed list of your required documents for Tanzania Safari -
- Passport- You need a passport that should be valid for 6 months from the date of your arrival in Tanzania.
- Yellow fever certificate- Tanzania has a risk of Yellow Fever, so you need a vaccination certificate while traveling. Check National Travel Health Network and Centre’s Travel Health Pro website to know more.
- Tanzania Visa- Tanzania has introduced an e-visa facility that will be available through an online application. For British passport holders, a tourist or business visa is needed to enter Tanzania.
- For more information about Tanzania visas, visit the Tanzania immigration website.
- Medical insurance- Before traveling, obtain valid travel insurance which will cover your medical emergencies if any misfortunate happens. It must include medical evacuation and the whole medical costs.
- Vaccination records- Travelers to Tanzania will be required a valid vaccination certificate for covid-19. So, before traveling, make sure you are completely vaccinated.
Passengers should present their valid certificates with a QR code upon arrival in Tanzania. To know more about vaccinations, follow the ministry of Health of Tanzania and the WHO.
- Airline tickets- remember to keep your Airline tickets in the safe pocket of your luggage bag. Without it, your safari can’t be started.
- Credit cards and ATMs- Instead of carrying a lot of money, you should bring your credit or debit card for any transactions in Tanzania.
Also, carry your ATM card because it is safe while Traveling In Tanzania.
Make copies of passport, Tanzanian e-visa, airline tickets/schedule, and itinerary. Leave a copy with someone at home and put a copy with you in your luggage.
Medications
Never miss your First Aid kit while traveling to Tanzania. Because you will be going to explore the African bush and there you may find Zig-zag roads. Carry some regular medications while you will pack for your Safari To Tanzania
Normal Cold Medicine
In case, you do catch a bug, you may need cold medicine like aspirin.
An Antihistamine
keep an antihistamine like Benadryl to save from insect bites.
Diarrhea Medicine
keep some antidiarrheal medicine with you while packing for Tanzania Safari.
Painkillers
You should keep painkillers in your First Aid box, it may be needed.
Malaria Pills
while visiting Tanzania, don’t forget to bring malaria pills with you to avoid the risk of malaria.
Insect Repellent
As you are going to visit the Tanzanian bush, you should use insect repellent while on safari. So, don’t forget to keep it.
Pro Tips: In your medical kit, keep medications that have been personally recommended by your doctor.
Electronics and gadgets
It’s important to bring your electronic devices while you are traveling to some other places. It will help you stay connected with your family and friends. Generally, safari vehicles, lodges, and camps have power outlets but it’s but you should bring a power bank with your charger.
In addition, there are other gadgets you should add to your Tanzania Safari Packing List.
- Adapter and chargers- Carry a travel adapter that should be suitable for the country you are traveling to. So, the universal travel adapter is worth visiting.
- A good camera- Traveling amidst the wildlife is so exciting that you just want to capture the breathtaking moments. So, you need a good camera. Though many travelers use their smartphones, nothing can match the quality of a good camera.
- Binoculars- Carrying a good binocular is advisable to make your safari experience more interesting. It helps you to explore small animals with a clearer vision.
- Power bank- while packing your safari gear, consider packing a heavy-duty power bank. It is needed in your Safari To Tanzania if you will plan to use your phone to take photos and videos during the game viewing.
Toiletries & personal hygiene
This is another essential packing list while on your Safari In Tanzania. Your Tanzania packing list is not complete till you haven’t included your toiletries. Though your safari lodge or camp will provide toiletries, you might need your favorite personal hygiene.
So, don’t forget about this, and keep some essential toiletries while packing for your Tanzania safari.
- Soap
- Shampoo, conditioner, hair gel
- Hairbrush, comb, mirror, hair ties
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Sunscreen
- Facial tissue
- Handy wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Lip balm with sunscreen
- Small towel and washcloth
- Toilet paper
- Shaving supplies
- Nail clippers and nail brush
- Insect repellent
- Sewing kit
- Feminine products
- Cosmetics
Gifts for Guide and Locals
You will feel very positive vibes when you gift your guides and the locals in Tanzania. A gift can be a reason for a smile on their faces. So, it’s really admirable if you give any gifts while on your Safari To Tanzania.
- For your guide, you can bring baseball caps, tools for the car or educational stuff for his kids, etc.
- If you will visit any school for charity, you can gift the children some English books or you can choose any mathematical sets.
- For adult men, you can give caps, wristwatches, sunglasses, etc.
- For women, you can also bring hand watches, t-shirts and so on.
Packing for your flight To Tanzania
While Packing For Tanzania Safari, don’t skip things you may need on the flight. These are some essential things and you may miss them. So, we are here to help you with backpacking. Remember to keep-
- U-shaped neck pillow (blow-up)
- Books/magazines
- Toiletries
- Snacks
- Water
- Walkman and music
- Eye shades, earplugs
- Melatonin or other sleep aid
- Critical items (in case baggage is delayed)
Camping gears for Tanzania safari
Going to Tanzania on a safari will not be completed without a camping safari in the African bush. So, you should consider your Packing List For Tanzania according to the camping trek as well.
For a camping safari in Tanzania National Parks or your trekking to Kilimanjaro, you will need camping gear. Those are-
- A sleeping bag is needed when trekking Kilimanjaro because the temperature on the mountain is around 10°C -15°C in minus.
- Bring microfiber towels. It will be used when you wash your face or hands in warm water on the mountain.
- Trekking shoes are also needed.
- Headlamps with extra batteries are also important to bring with you.
Note: You can also rent a sleeping bag while you will trek to Mount Kilimanjaro. You also can buy tents and other safari gear in Tanzania.
The Cost Framework of our Exceptional Tanzania Safaris
Experience Tailor-Made Magic with Wildlife Encounters Second to None
Which types of Baggage need for a Tanzania Safari?
Choosing the right bag for an African safari is quite considerable. It’s important to pack your luggage in the right bag. For a Safari In Tanzania, there are two types of baggage needed. These are-
- Duffel Bag- when you are Packing For A Tanzania Safari Tour, always choose soft baggage. It’s better to travel with a soft duffel bag than a hard suitcase. A duffel bag with exceeds an 80-liter capacity is best to choose. Just make sure it has a strong zipper system. You should lock it to secure your baggage.
- Safari Daypack- apart from your duffel bag, you will need to carry a daypack on your Safari To Tanzania. You can use it to keep your small but daily essential products like sunscreen, sunglasses, snacks, water, passport, etc.
Pro Tips: Invest in some packing cubes, it’s an awesome space-saving hack.
Understand Every Element of Your Safari Costs
Beyond costs, the breakdown highlights the investments in safety, comfort, and personalized experiences.
Weather can make a difference!
Your Tanzania Safari Packing List also depends on the weather condition of Tanzania and the time of the year you visit. Let’s have a look-
- If you embark on a Safari between November and December, prepare for afternoon rains by taking a light rain jacket.
- April and May are the long rainy months that are best to avoid altogether.
- It feels chilled at night, especially in July and August. So pack a jumper.
- Download the Weather+ app! It gives an accurate 6-day forecast for day and night. It can be really helpful when you planning for your safari.
To know more about Tanzanian weather in detail, check the world weather website for the United Republic of Tanzania.
Understand Every Element of Your Safari Costs
Beyond costs, the breakdown highlights the investments in safety, comfort, and personalized experiences.
Packing according to the season in Tanzania
We all know, the weather varies throughout the country. In Tanzania, the climate is generally divided into two dry seasons and two wet seasons. So, you should pack your bag according to the season and this is like-
| Season | Running Months | Average Temperature | Packing List |
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Spring (Long rainy season) |
March, April, and May |
24°C to 29°C (75°F and 85°F) |
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Summer (Long dry season) |
June, July, and August |
21°C to 27°C (70°F to 80°F) |
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Fall (Short rainy season) |
September, October, and November |
27°C to 32°C (80°F and 90°F) |
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Winter (Short dry season) |
December, January, and February |
29°C to 35°C (85°F and 95°F) |
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How Your Preferred Comfort Levels Reshape Safari Costs
Choose Your Ideal Comfort from a Diverse Range of Options
What Not To Pack for Tanzania
From the above, you got to know the detailed packing list for your Safari In Tanzania Now let’s talk about the unnecessary things to avoid while packing your luggage. Because from the start, we have said about travel light to Tanzania.
Don’t pack lots of cloths
You are going on an African safari, remember! So you need to pack as light as you can and don’t need to pack many clothes. Always take a few lightweight clothes because your maximum time will be spent in the national parks doing safari activities.
Don’t take excessive electronics
There is no need to bring excessive electronics while on your Safari To Tanzania.Though Tanzania is a safe country, still there is a risk of small robberies on the streets of Tanzania.
So, better don’t bring any unnecessary electrical items to avoid any kind of theft.
Don’t carry lots of cash
It’s highly advisable not to carry too much cash with you while you Visit Tanzania. It can be a reason for headaches for you.
There are ATM systems available throughout the country except in some rural areas. So, you will have not any problem accessing cash once you get there. So, instead of much cash, you should carry your ATM card and your debit card as well.
Don’t bring expensive jewelry
Keep in mind that you are going to another place for a vacation and bringing expensive jewelry can be a risk for you. You may face any kind of unusual attacks or may lose them while traveling.
So, we would suggest you not bring any expensive ornaments with you to avoid such kinds of incidents.
Which Tour? Here are 9 of our favourite Tanzanian safaris:
- 12 Days Tanzania Family Safaris
- 8 Days Tanzania Classic Safari
- 6 Days Tanzania Short & Sweet Safari
- 10 Days Tanzania Closer To Nature
- 7 Days Big Five Safaris In Tanzania
- 13 Days Cultural Wildlife Hiking
- Serengeti Wildebeest Migration
- Tanzania Honeymoon Safari
- Tanzania Cultural Tours
See more Tanzania Safari Packages.
Luggage weight limits for traveling to Tanzania
Traveling to your dream safari destination often involves long hours on flights to get into. There are strict weight limits on these flights and also maximum dimensions to carry. The general weight allowance is 15kgs (33Ibs) per person.
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Air Lines |
Weight Allowance(per person) |
Weight Includes |
Maximum Dimensions |
Excess Baggage Cost |
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Air Excel |
20 kg / 44Ibs |
Handbag and must be in soft duffel bags |
60cm x 30cm x 25cm (24” x 12” x 10”) |
$ 03 per additional kilogram |
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Safari Air Link |
15kg / 33lbs |
Handbag and must be in soft duffel bags |
90cm x 65cm x 35cm (35” x 25” x 13”) |
$50 for 0-10 kgs, $80 for 11-20 kgs, $145 for 21-30 kgs. |
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Auric Air |
20kg / 44lbs |
Handbag and must be in soft duffel bags & camera |
60cm x inches 45cm x inches 33cm (24” x 18” x 13”) |
$60.00 & $30.00 per slab |
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Coastal Aviation |
15kg / 33lbs |
Handbag and must be in soft duffel bags |
76cm x 48cm x 29cm (30” x 19” x 11”) |
$85-$95 per bag |
Pro Tips: Soft bags (duffel bags) are strongly recommended. Excess baggage will only be carried. If the payload of the aircraft and/or space permits, it will be charged at the prevailing rate for carriage of freight.
General Packing Suggestions for Tanzania
Apart from the above guidelines that have already been discussed, you should follow some general recommendations while backpacking for Tanzania.
- Soft-sided bags are preferred over hard-sided suitcases.
- You should keep any critical things in your handbag/carry-on bag rather than packing them in your checked luggage. This may include your documents, money, medications, and any other important things.
- You should lock your baggage all the time with TSA-approved locks.
- There is no need for expensive jewelry while visiting Tanzania. It only invites unusual theft.
- Always keep cash in a safe place in your bag. Distribute it to minimize any unfortunate losses.
- Keep your camera and other electrical equipment in a safe place during Safari Activities In Tanzania.
Tanzania Safari Packing List FAQs
Consider comfortable and lightweight clothing that is suitable for safari vehicles and other game-viewing activities.
- Prefer neutral beige and khaki colors instead of bright color clothes.
- Pack a light warm jacket or lightweight cotton clothes for cooler weather.
- Bring long sleeve shirts and trousers to prevent mosquito bites.
- Sunscreen, sunhat, and swimsuit also need to pack for both safaris and beach holidays.
- Pack casual shoes and hiking boots while planning for Tanzania.
As we know, Tanzania is a malaria-risk country, you just need to bring a mosquito net and repellent with you. Though, all the lodges and camps whether it is luxury or tented camps will provide you with mosquito nets.
So, it’s advisable to at least bring mosquito repellent with you while on your Safari In Tanzania. It helps you stay safe from malaria.
Visitors who wish to come for holiday are advised to apply for an ordinary visa. An ordinary visa costs $50 per person.
US passport holders who come to visit Tanzania for tourism purposes need multiple entry visas. Applicants who are not Americans, but wish to apply for multiple visas are strictly advised to know clearly about the requirements for multiple visas.
Tanzania has a good comfortable climate year-round, although there are some regional variations. The tropical coast remains quite hot with heavy rainfall while the central plateau is cooler and arid.
There are two rainy seasons in Tanzania – the long rainy season runs between mid-March to May and shorter rains fall between November to January. The dry season with cooler temperatures runs between May and October.
The average daytime temperature varies from70° to 90°F and 50° to 60°F at night.
Comfortable, sturdy and closed-toe shoes such as hiking boots or sneakers are recommended for a Tanzania safari.
Yes, a wide-brimmed hat or a cap is essential to protect your face and neck from the sun.
It is advisable to pack a lightweight jacket or a fleece as the temperatures can drop significantly during early morning and late evening game drives.
Yes, a high SPF sunscreen is recommended to protect your skin from the sun.
Yes, insect repellent is highly recommended to protect from mosquito bites and other insect bites.
Yes, a camera is highly recommended to capture the stunning wildlife and landscapes in Tanzania.
Yes, binoculars are highly recommended to spot wildlife from a distance.
Yes, it is highly recommended to bring a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste.
Yes, it is advisable to pack some snacks such as energy bars or nuts to keep you energized during the game drives.
It is not recommended to wear shorts on a Tanzania safari as they do not offer much protection from the sun, bugs, and thorny bushes.
Now Time For A Memorable Tanzania Safari!
Hopefully, our Safari Packing List For Tanzania will help you prepare and ensure you’re fully equipped for this amazing safari experience. Now it's time to double-check if you have all the items mentioned in this post on your list and explore glorious Tanzania all by yourself.
Just let us know about your itinerary and we will ensure your safari of a lifetime!
With all these tips in hand, you're all set for an amazing journey in Tanzania! Get ready to witness some never-seen-before safari moments. Secure your spot on Tanzania Safari Tours with us and start your adventure with ease!
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Simbo Natai
Simbo Natai was born and raised on the foothills of Kilimanjaro. After completing Secondary School, he attended Tourism College, where he discovered his love for African wildlife. Simbo started in the industry as a guide, Climbing Kilimanjaro before specializing as a safari guide. He runs the logistics of African Scenic Safaris and will be behind the scenes, ensuring your safari or climb is perfectly organized.
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